Search Results (27,748)

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) represents a pressing global health challenge, underscoring the urgency of developing effective dietary interventions derived from natural resources. Zaojiaomi polysaccharide (ZJMP) from the endosperm of Gleditsia sinensis seeds (zaojiaomi), a traditional edible product, exhibits largely underexplored potential in T2DM management. Methods: In the present study, the antidiabetic effects and underlying mechanisms of ZJMP were investigated using a rat model of T2DM induced by a high-fat diet (HFD) combined with streptozotocin (STZ). Relevant biochemical indicators were detected, and histopathological examination was performed. The expression levels of key components of the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway, as well as the inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and IL-1β in renal tissues, were further analyzed. Additionally, gut microbiota composition and the levels of short-chain fatty acids were determined. Results: ZJMP treatment significantly ameliorated hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia, elevated serum insulin levels, reduced intestinal mucosal permeability, and attenuated histopathological lesions in the heart, kidney, and pancreas of T2DM rats. Meanwhile, ZJMP notably alleviated renal inflammation by suppressing the production of IL-1β and IL-6, as well as inhibiting the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway. Furthermore, ZJMP administration effectively modulated gut microbiota composition and increased fecal concentrations of acetic acid and propionic acid. Conclusions: Collectively, these findings elucidate the novel bioactivity of ZJMP and highlight its potential as a promising functional food ingredient or dietary supplement for T2DM management. Full article

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD⁺) and its reduced form, NADH, are essential coenzymes that play central roles in cellular redox homeostasis, energy metabolism, DNA repair, and signaling. Cellular NAD⁺ levels are maintained by a dynamic balance between the de novo Preiss–Handler, and salvage synthesis pathways, and consumption by enzymes like sirtuins, PARPs, and CD38. Among these, the nicotinamide Phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT)-driven salvage pathway represents the predominant route of NAD+ synthesis. The specific regulation of NAD (NAD⁺ and NADH) levels across distinct subcellular compartments has emerged as a critical determinant of cellular function but it remains poorly understood. Dysregulation of NAD metabolism is a hallmark of aging and various pathologies, including cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and metabolic diseases, making strategies to modulate NAD levels a promising therapeutic frontier. This review provides the first integrated overview of NAD concentrations across cellular compartments (cytosol, mitochondria, nucleus, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi, peroxisomes, and the extracellular space) together with measurement and modulation strategies. We summarize current knowledge on NAD distribution within organelles, address key challenges in accurate quantification, and highlight established and emerging approaches for both global and compartment-specific analysis. Finally, we discuss therapeutic strategies, from NAD⁺ precursor supplementation to enzyme modulators and gene therapy, highlighting both their translational potential and current limitations in treating diverse diseases and prolonging life and health span. Full article

Background: Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is characterized by an intense preoccupation with perceived flaws in physical appearance, which can influence choices related to aesthetically driven healthcare. In orthodontics, this may cause a mismatch between a person’s subjective concern about their appearance and the treatment need determined by established indices. Therefore, orthodontic treatment indices are crucial to ensure that interventions are clinically justified rather than primarily motivated by disproportionate appearance-related distress. Objective: To systematically review and appraise the existing evidence on the connection between BDD and orthodontic treatment need as assessed by established indices. Materials and Methods: A systematic search of five electronic databases was conducted for studies published up to March 2026 that examined the association between BDD and orthodontic treatment need. Eligible studies included individuals undergoing orthodontic treatment or seeking orthodontic care, in whom BDD was evaluated using validated instruments and treatment need was assessed using established orthodontic indices. Risk of bias was assessed using the ROBINS-E tool. Results: A total of 2743 records were identified, and four observational studies met the inclusion criteria. Due to heterogeneity in study design, assessment methods and outcomes, findings were synthesized narratively. Orthodontic treatment need was assessed using the Dental Health Component of the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN-DHC), the Aesthetic Component of the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN-AC), and the Index of Complexity, Outcome and Need (ICON). Two studies using IOTN-DHC reported a negative association between BDD and orthodontic treatment need, whereas studies using IOTN-AC and ICON found no significant relationship. Associations with sex, age, education, depression, and anxiety were inconsistent across studies. Conclusions: Current evidence suggests an inconsistent relationship between Body Dysmorphic Disorder and orthodontic treatment need, highlighting the relevance of personalized assessment in orthodontic decision-making. Given the limited number of studies and the high risk of bias, the findings should be considered preliminary, and further standardized studies are needed to clarify this association. Full article

The Copenhagen 10-step method is a set of policies that originated in the 1950s to reduce vehicle traffic in Copenhagen, which was heavily impacted by traffic. These policies are incorporated into a different dynamic on a global scale every day and are adopted while maintaining relevance. These policies, advocated in the context of climate change and carbon emission targets, as well as livability and health-focused urbanization, justice, and accessibility in transportation, are criticized for potentially negatively affecting low-income groups and commercializing urban transformation. Furthermore, they require adaptation because their applicability is seen as limited in terms of localization. In this context, the adaptability of the method to different social and spatial contexts has become a critical research topic, particularly in local studies, where application is more important and the order of implementation becomes of great importance. Within the scope of this study, a Copenhagen 10-step prioritization study was conducted specifically for the Küçükçekmece Kanarya Neighborhood, where low-to-middle socioeconomic groups live, and which has been declared a risky area in terms of building stock. Accordingly, a two-phase study was conducted. In the first phase, transportation and planning experts were asked to prioritize the 10 steps, and the timing of each implementation was determined based on the resulting ranking. In the second phase, accessibility analyses for the region were conducted using GIS (Geographical Information Systems)-based spatial data, such as accessibility, slope, and the distribution of urban facilities. Subsequently, these two phases were combined to create a simple prioritization framework for the areas of greatest concern in Kanarya, as well as for urban renewal, transportation, and government investment plans. According to the SWARA results, increasing bicycle use (C10) was the most important criterion at 17.2%, followed by making the bicycle the primary mode of transportation (C9) at 13.8% and adapting the city to seasonal changes (C8) at 11.5%. This study, which is significant for its focus on a specific region at the local implementation level, presents a straightforward model—based on concrete findings—for prioritizing sustainable transportation and urbanization policies in socioeconomically vulnerable areas. In doing so, it contributes to aligning theoretical approaches with practical field applications.: Full article

Background/Objectives: Appropriate nutrition is a foundation for maintaining good health. Especially for young people, it determines the proper growth and development. The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between the dietary makeup of young adults and their body composition parameters. Methods: A total of 297 students of Wroclaw Medical University participated in the study. A questionnaire was administered to assess meal composition, and body composition, phase angle, and basal metabolic rate (BMR) were evaluated. Results: The greatest differences were observed in the consumption of grains, animal protein, and dairy products. Meals consumed by males contained mostly animal protein and grain products, whereas females’ meals contained more fruit and vegetables. Correlations were observed between dinner, supper and the extracellular water/intracellular water (ECW/ICW) ratio, fat, water, and muscle body content, with r~ ±(0.134–0.163), and between the second breakfast and body mass index (BMI), and visceral fat level (respectively: −0.118; −0.149). Multivariate analysis indicated that consuming a balanced dinner has a significant impact on maintaining the appropriate proportions of body composition. Conclusions: Analysis of the results suggests that proper composition of meals is associated with a lower BMI, reduced fat content, increased muscle mass, and better body hydration. Full article

Children living in agricultural regions are exposed to pesticides through multiple environmental and occupational exposure processes; however, the relative contribution of these processes remains insufficiently characterised in many rural contexts of the Global South. This study assessed pesticide exposure among children residing in an agricultural community in western Mexico characterised by close spatial proximity between residential areas and intensively cultivated fields. Urine samples were collected from children at two points in the agricultural cycle (March and December 2018). Pesticide concentrations were determined using liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS). Paired longitudinal analyses were conducted to evaluate intra-individual changes in detection frequencies and urinary concentrations across sampling periods. Multiple pesticides were detected, including compounds with near-universal presence across both sampling periods. Significant increases in urinary concentrations were observed between March and December for several pesticides, consistent with seasonal agricultural dynamics, while no systematic differences were identified between children from agricultural and non-agricultural households. These findings indicate that pesticide exposure in this setting operates as a community-level exposure regime that is both structurally produced and territorially embedded. Exposure patterns reflect the convergence of agricultural practices, environmental dispersion processes, and spatial configurations that extend beyond occupational boundaries. The results highlight the limitations of risk models focused exclusively on individual or occupational exposure and underscore the need for public health strategies that address pesticide exposure as a structurally produced and territorially embedded condition. Full article

Introduction: Humanized care is a core indicator of nursing quality, yet its prevalence and determinants among Spanish undergraduates remain unclear. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was administered to fourth-year nursing students from public and private universities. Instruments included the Health Professional’s Humanization Scale (HUMAS), the Communication Styles Inventory-Revised (CSI-R) and a sociodemographic questionnaire that captured prior training: completion of ≥6 h role-playing seminars in patient–family communication. Results: Mean scores were 3.62 ± 0.48 for HUMAS and 2.50 ± 0.52 for CSI-R. Women exceeded men on HUMAS total (p = 0.025) and on Sociability, Emotional Understanding, Dispositional Optimism and Self-Efficacy (all p ≤ 0.013), but not on Affect-Regulation or CSI-R. Age correlated weakly with Optimism (r = 0.24) and Self-Efficacy (r = 0.21). Students who had completed the role-playing seminars recorded higher HUMAS totals (d = 0.50; p = 0.001) and sub-scores, with only a modest gain in Affect-Regulation, and showed a trend towards better CSI-R performance (p = 0.06). No differences emerged by university type. HUMAS and CSI-R correlated moderately (r = 0.32; p = 0.001). In multivariate analysis, training (β = 0.36; p = 0.001) and CSI-R (β = 0.26; p = 0.001) jointly explained 27.9% of humanization variance; male sex exerted a small negative effect (β = −0.19; p = 0.001), whereas age was nonsignificant. Conclusions: Structured communication seminars are a key factor associated with higher levels of humanization in senior nursing students, whereas sociodemographic influences are modest. Embedding longitudinal, simulation-rich modules in communication and emotional intelligence is therefore recommended to cultivate truly person-centered nurses and to narrow observed sex disparities. Full article

Sexual objectification is the treatment of a person as a body or a collection of body parts that are valued primarily for their sexual appeal. The main purpose of this study was to determine the relevance of sexual objectification to women’s health and well-being across the life cycle, from middle adolescence to old age. Additionally, the relevance of age and education to sexual objectification and its association with traditional gender role attitudes was examined. This study was cross-sectional and the sample consisted of 6112 Spanish women between the ages of 16 and 85, who were assessed using seven questionnaires and scales. The results show that lower age and lower number of children were associated with greater importance of sexual and physical attractiveness and with a more sexualized image, although there were no differences between adolescent and emerging adult women. Greater importance placed on sexual and physical attractiveness, as well as total sexual objectification, was associated with greater mental distress, lower psychological well-being, lower life satisfaction, and lower self-esteem at every life stage. Greater importance placed on sexual and physical attractiveness was associated with more traditional gender role attitudes among all age groups, except for older women. We conclude that sexual objectification is a threat to women’s mental health and well-being. Full article

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is an emerging public health challenge in Africa, driven by rapid urbanisation, changing lifestyles and socio-economic transitions. As the global prevalence rises, evidence on the burden and determinants of DM across African countries remains fragmented and inconsistent. Objective: We aimed to synthesize evidence from existing systematic reviews and meta-analyses on the prevalence and determinants of diabetes mellitus across African populations, thereby informing targeted interventions and policy actions. Methods: This umbrella review followed the PRISMA guidelines and included systematic reviews and meta-analyses of studies, published up to December 2024, that reported on DM prevalence and/or risk factors for DM in adults across four African countries. The literature was retrieved from PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and African Journals Online (AJOL). Quality assessment was conducted using the AMSTAR 2 (A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews, version 2) tool, and only moderate- to high-quality reviews were retained. Random-effects models were used to estimate the pooled prevalence and odds ratios (ORs), while heterogeneity, publication bias and sensitivity analyses were also conducted. Findings: Seven reviews were included, covering four countries: Ethiopia, South Africa, Nigeria and Ghana. The pooled prevalence of diabetes mellitus was 9.0% (95% CI: 6.0–12.0%), with significant heterogeneity (I² = 99.8%). Among the determinants, only family history of DM (OR:5.11, 95% CI: 2.96–8.85), hypertension (OR: 2.52; 95% CI: 1.65–3.83), obesity (OR: 3.04; 95% CI: 1.92–4.82), physical inactivity (OR: 3.32; 95% CI: 1.99–5.54), smoking (OR: 2.59; 95% CI: 1.23–5.47), unhealthy diet (OR: 4.77; 95% CI: 1.73–13.18) and urban residence (OR: 5.81; 95%CI: 4.41–7.65), showed a statistically significant association. Sensitivity analysis confirmed the robustness of pooled prevalence, and no significant publication bias was detected. Conclusions: Diabetes mellitus prevalence in Africa is rising and approaching the global averages. The heterogeneity in risk factors underscores the need for localised, context-specific strategies. Full article

The growing use of quantified self-technologies (QST) in chronic disease management is linked to better self-monitoring and patient engagement. However, little is known about how patients in resource-constrained settings fund and sustain the use of QST in diabetes self-management. This study asked: “How do patients with diabetes perceive and experience the economic burden of using QST in Zimbabwe?” Using a qualitative design, 20 patients with diabetes participated in semi-structured interviews. The reflexive thematic analysis of Braun and Clarke generated three interrelated themes: technology investment costs, conventional healthcare costs, and socio-economic constraints. The findings show that the economic experience of QST adoption is context-dependent and is shaped by the financial realities of patients with diabetes and their access to technology. By focusing on patient-level cost experiences, the study adds qualitative evidence to public health debates on digital health affordability and highlights the need to assess perceived financial implications within a third-world socio-economic context. It is concluded that, although QST is available in third-world countries, sustained use depends on the financial capacity of patients with diabetes. Full article

Cocoa husk tea has gained attention as a value-added beverage from cocoa processing by-products, due to its potential content of bioactive compounds associated with health benefits. However, rapid and reliable analytical methods for the simultaneous determination of methylxanthines and flavanols in this matrix remain limited. This study aimed to develop and validate a rapid HPLC–PDA method for the simultaneous determination of methylxanthines and selected flavanols in cocoa husk tea. Separation was performed using a Zorbax 300SB-C18 with a gradient system of acetic acid, water and acetonitrile, and detection at 280 nm. The method enabled separation of theobromine, caffeine, catechin, epicatechin, procyanidin B1, and procyanidin B2 within 15 min. Validation followed ICH Q2(R2) guidelines, demonstrating satisfactory linearity, sensitivity, accuracy, and precision. The method was applied to ten commercial cocoa husk tea products from Thailand. Theobromine was the predominant methylxanthine (10.483–16.027 mg g⁻¹), whereas caffeine was lower (0.923–1.909 mg g⁻¹), while flavanol contents varied among samples. These findings demonstrate that the developed method provides a rapid and reliable approach for the analysis and quality assessment of cocoa husk tea products and may support the further utilization of cocoa by-products in the functional beverage industry. Full article

Background/Objectives: Urinary urea excretion is a marker of protein catabolism and follows circadian biological rhythms. Although small-scale studies have suggested a diurnal pattern, its population-level characterisation and determinants remain poorly defined. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted within the Ticino Epidemiological Stiffness Study (TEST-study), a population-based cross-sectional analysis of 1202 adults (≥18 years) recruited in the Italian-speaking region of Switzerland in 2017–2018. A final analytical sample of 859 participants provided 24 h urine collections divided into diurnal and nocturnal fractions, from which a day-to-night (Day/Night) urea excretion ratio was calculated as the primary outcome. Multivariable linear regression was used to identify independent determinants. Results: Across the cohort, a predominant nocturnal pattern of urinary urea excretion was observed, with a mean Day/Night ratio below 1. In younger women (<40 years), the ratio approached 1, indicating an attenuated Day/Night pattern, whereas older women (>65 years) displayed a significantly more pronounced nocturnal predominance. No comparable age-related trend was observed in men. In multivariable analysis, advancing age, greater nocturnal blood pressure dipping, and higher sodium excretion were independently associated with the Day/Night urea ratio. Conclusions: Urinary urea excretion, a surrogate marker of protein catabolism, exhibits a measurable Day/Night variation, associated with age, sex, and hemodynamic factors. These findings provide insights for chrononutritional strategies aimed at preserving muscle health across lifespan. Full article

Wheat constitutes a significant agricultural crop in China and shows a notable tendency to easily bioaccumulate cadmium (Cd) when cultivated in contaminated soils, thereby posing substantial risks to human health. Foliar barrier agents can reduce Cd levels in the edible portions of wheat, facilitating compliance with the established safety standards for human consumption. In the present study, spring wheat was grown in pots in moderate to lightly Cd-contaminated soil. Five treatments with four foliar barrier agents, namely P, silicon-organic fertilizer (SOF), mancozeb (MZ), and microencapsulated fertilizer (MEF), were established to determine their impact on Cd content and cumulative Cd uptake and distribution across wheat organs. All four agents reduced Cd in wheat kernels, with SOF and MZ showing the most substantial reductions of 77.7% and 77.2%, respectively, and a 12% reduction in Cd distribution across wheat organs. These agents primarily block Cd transfer from stems and leaves to grain, ensuring food safety. MZ and SOF most effectively reduced Cd accumulation in wheat. All four agents reduced the target hazard quotient, with SOF yielding the greatest decrease. Thus, SOF is the optimal foliar barrier agent for wheat, supporting safe production on Cd-contaminated farmlands and advancing food security and sustainable agricultural development. Full article

Background: Climate change has contributed to the global resurgence of dengue, with a spike of more than 14.4 million dengue cases. This study aimed to analyze the association between dengue frequency with climatic factors, circulating serotypes, and disease severity in northwestern Mexico. Methods: A retrospective time-series study was conducted using dengue molecular diagnostic data reported between September 2017 and January 2025 by the Laboratorio de Apoyo a la Vigilancia e Investigación Epidemiológica del Centro de Investigación Biomédica de Occidente, Mexico. Data included dengue frequency, serotype distribution, and clinical severity across seven states in northwestern Mexico (Colima, Guanajuato, Jalisco, Michoacán, Nayarit, Sinaloa, and Sonora). Meteorological data were obtained from the Automatic Meteorological Stations of the National Water Commission. Associations between dengue frequency and climatic variables were evaluated using linear regression models. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS v24 and R v3.5. Results: In Jalisco, minimum, mean and maximum temperatures, as well as precipitation, were significant predictors of dengue cases, explaining approximately 21.7% of the variance (adjusted R² = 0.217, p < 0.001). In Colima and Michoacán, precipitation showed no predictive value. In Guanajuato, the maximum temperature was excluded from the model (adjusted R² = 0.226). Models for Nayarit, Sinaloa, and Sonora excluded two or more climatic variables, with adjusted R² values of 0.111, 0.151, and 0.049, respectively. Conclusions: Climatic conditions and epidemiological time trends explain a modest proportion of dengue cases in northwestern Mexico, with the strongest association observed in Jalisco. Additional determinants, including vector ecology, host immunity, circulating serotypes, population mobility, and public health interventions, should be considered to better understand dengue dynamics. Full article

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is the leading cause of low back pain, a global public health burden for which current pharmacological and surgical treatments provide symptomatic relief but fail to reverse the underlying degenerative process. The uniquely avascular, hypoxic, acidic, and mechanically demanding disc microenvironment poses formidable barriers to the survival and function of therapeutic cells and genes, emphasizing the critical need for bioengineered delivery systems. In this review, we introduce the structure and microenvironment of the intervertebral disc, as well as the molecular mechanisms underlying IVDD. We then provide a critical comparative analysis of delivery platforms, including hydrogels, microspheres, nanoparticles, nanofibrous scaffolds, and viral and non-viral vectors, around five core delivery challenges: mechanical protection, retention and leakage prevention, targeted intracellular delivery, controlled release kinetics, and metabolic support. Furthermore, we examine the fabrication technologies and material considerations that determine platform performance, and we analyze the translational barriers that have impeded clinical adoption, such as the limitations of small-animal models and unresolved cell leakage. Finally, we highlight emerging strategies, including gene-cell combination therapy and endplate preconditioning, to accelerate the clinical translation of precision therapies for IVDD. Full article